I’m A Fashion Editor & Here’s Why I Think A Capsule Wardrobe Needn’t Be Boring
Those “go-with-everything” jeans. That hard-working tote. The confidence-boosting LBD. For decades, fashion editors have waxed lyrical about the virtues of a perfectly curated capsule wardrobe. And full disclosure, I’m one of them. I’ve championed the navy knit and sung the praises of a classic white shirt more times than I can count.
But in my real-life wardrobe? I’m far more experimental and daring with what I put on in the morning. That’s not to say I’m frivolous with my spending (trust me, my non-fashion friends shop way more than I do) or blindly follow seasonal trends. Instead, it’s made me question what truly defines a capsule wardrobe. If it brings you joy and works for your life, who’s to say it needs to fit into a rigid sartorial formula?
Capsule wardrobes needn’t be boring. They can be full of fun, mischief, colour and print, and push the boundaries, whilst still being incredibly functional. They can and should be both practical and packed with personality – these two ideas aren’t mutually exclusive.
Here’s how I make a seemingly “impractical” wardrobe work for me every day (spoiler: there are some rules), from embracing colour to finally buying that piece you can’t stop thinking about.
Capsule wardrobes can be full of fun, mischief, colour and print, and push the boundaries whilst still being incredibly functional.
Embrace colour
Sure, a consistent palette of camel, navy, grey, and black offers seamless coordination, but does it truly spark joy? For me, often not. While there’s a time and place for muted tones – and I’ll always have room for a cool white T-shirt – there’s absolutely no reason vibrant colours can’t be just as practical.
Think of greens and browns as sophisticated alternatives to black or navy; their natural appeal effortlessly grounds most looks. You might also be surprised how beautifully a powder pink or butter yellow jumper pairs with your existing pieces. There’s a full rainbow out there for you to enjoy and embrace.
Buy what you’re truly drawn to
We’re constantly told to invest in an oversized white shirt or a classic grey cashmere knit. And yes, both have a place in my wardrobe. But if that slogan jumper speaks to you or those bejewelled jeans live rent free in your head, buy them – life is too short. Wear them proudly and make them inherently you. Your wardrobe should reflect your unique personality, not just a preprescribed list.
If that slogan jumper speaks to you or those bejewelled jeans live rent free in your head, buy them – life is too short.
Outfit repeat… over and over
The beauty of a traditional capsule wardrobe lies in its ability to build a uniform with minimal pieces. When your style errs more on the individual side, some might shy away from wearing the same look repeatedly. My advice? Embrace it. If an outfit works, why change it? If I find a combination I love, I’ll wear it on repeat for years. It’s the ultimate “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.
Prioritise fit and proportion over individual pieces
Classic capsule wardrobes often highlight key individual items: a great shirt, the perfect jeans, smart black trousers. You can apply the same principle to a more vibrant, personal capsule by focusing on cuts and proportions rather than specific pieces.
For example, I know that looser top layers are more flattering on my frame, cropped trousers paired with fun socks and chunky loafers add a few magic inches, and cropped boxy jackets simply don’t work for me. Pin down your key shape and proportion principles, then build your wardrobe from there.
Lay the foundations
There is something to be said for laying the foundations of a wardrobe and that’s what a capsule wardrobe does well. However, you don’t need to stick to sober staples. Your “great pair of jeans” could be a brown wide-fit pant. Your “white shirt”, a boho ruffled blouse. Your “black blazer” might be a buttery brown suede jacket. You still need key foundational elements, but choose ones that genuinely resonate with your personal style and go from there.
If I find a combination I love, I’ll wear it on repeat for years. It’s the ultimate “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.
Add personality with accessories
This is a no-brainer, but accessories often make an outfit. A contrasting neckerchief against a classic Oxford shirt, a collection of necklaces layered over a fine knit, stacks of rings poking out from a white sleeve, or those megawatt earrings with a simple summer dress – the devil is in the details when you want to make a look your own.
Forget labels
There’s certainly a link between investment buys and a capsule wardrobe. But cancel out the noise and focus on that you love to wear and whether you’re going to wear that for years to come. Whether you’re buying something you’ve saved up for, shopping vintage or found something on the high street you’re genuinely going to wear for years to come, forget the rules.
Make sure it’s functional (which doesn’t mean boring)
For my wardrobe to work for me, especially as I get older, it absolutely needs to be functional. But functionality doesn’t have to be boring; it can be incredibly stylish too. A fluffy pink sweater can be just as practical with jeans as a grey merino wool one. Prioritise pieces that serve a purpose and bring you joy.
I hate to use the cliché “shop your wardrobe,” but knowing exactly what you own is invaluable.
Try things on, over and over again
I hate to use the cliché “shop your wardrobe,” but knowing exactly what you own is invaluable. Take the time to try things on, build outfits, and experiment. Take pictures of combinations that work, and refer back to them when you need inspiration.
Find a good tailor
If you have your heart set on an extraordinary piece, but it doesn’t fit or doesn’t quite work for your shape, lifestyle, or existing wardrobe, alterations (good ones!) pay dividends.
Finally, wear what makes you happy
The best style comes from people who feel comfortable and confident in what they wear. Whether that’s head-to-toe black or a dopamine cocktail of colour and print, if it makes you happy, wear it. Enjoy the process of building a (unorthodox) capsule wardrobe that truly reflects you.
Scroll on to shop some pieces I would deem “capsule”. You might not… and that’s ok too. That’s what makes the art of getting dressed so much fun.
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